Conor McGregor’s appearance on "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon has sparked a wave of online backlash ahead of his scheduled UFC 329 comeback fight against Max Holloway.
Criticism focused on McGregor being given a major late-night platform after an Irish civil court jury found him liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel room in 2018. That verdict was delivered on November 22, 2024, and McGregor later lost his appeal to have the decision overturned on July 31, 2025. Full criminal charges in the matter were never pursued.
One viewer wrote, "Pretty nuts that Conor is able to book these kind of interviews considering everything that’s happened," while another said, "This man was not just accused, but found (liable) of rape. That was less than two years ago. And now he’s on a prime time talk show. Objectively, this is the worst timeline."
Comments also targeted Fallon and American media more broadly. One person said, "Look at the fake feminist having this piece of work on, and platforming him. Beyond disappointed," while another added, "Has his rape trial gone completely under the radar in the US? The guy is basically shunned here in Ireland, yet he's getting booked for Jimmy Fallon? Bizarre decision to have him on the show, he shouldn't be getting the chance to rehabilitate his public image."
McGregor is set to headline UFC 329 on July 11 against Max Holloway as part of his planned return to competition.
